Mashatile calls for transparency in budget processes

Mashatile said the 2025 Budget process has taught the government important lessons related to improving transparency in decision-making processes.

"We have learnt that the current budgetary process is not transparent and inclusive enough, making it difficult for citizens to understand how the Government goes about the process of taking some of the most critical decisions in the allocation of resources, albeit limited resources because of the competing needs."

He said the Budget exposed serious gaps in transparency and public participation.

Delivering his address at the financial and fiscal commission 2025 Budget roundtable, advocated for a return to a "people’s budget" approach rooted in fairness and inclusivity.

This comes amid growing public concern over resource allocation and service delivery.

"We need fiscal planning that is inclusive from the start, in terms of the Medium Term Expenditure Framework, and in line with the Government's priorities. In this case, the budget process as part of fiscal planning must focus on how we address the issues of poverty, unemployment, and inequality specifically.

"Equally, the budget process should be governed by principles of equity, equality and non-discrimination. Public allocations should be fair, just, and available to all citizens."

Drawing inspiration from former MPs and economists Ben Turok and Joanamarrie Fubbs, Ramaphosa called for a return to the concept of the "people’s budget" — a system of fiscal planning that centres on addressing poverty, unemployment, and inequality.

He also stressed the importance of fairness in budgeting.

"The budget process should be governed by principles of equity, equality and non-discrimination… Particular steps should be taken to ensure that vulnerable sectors of society are not discriminated against."

The remarks come in the wake of disagreement within the Government of National Unity over the 2025 Fiscal Framework.

Mashatile said he acknowledges the tensions within the Government of National Unity after some coalition partners rejected the 2025 Fiscal Framework.

He cited the instability often linked to budget disagreements in coalition governments.

The Deputy President said the importance of principled coalitions guided by the recently adopted Statement of Intent.

"We have learnt that the current budgetary process is not transparent and inclusive enough, making it difficult for citizens to understand how the Government goes about the process of taking some of the most critical decisions in the allocation of resources, albeit limited resources because of the competing needs."

Mashatile also assured the Financial and Fiscal Commission (FFC), one of the budget process's biggest critics, that the government will never underestimate its recommendations on the budget going forward.

The FFC, an independent body that provides advice and recommendations to government and provinces, has been one of the 2025 budget’s biggest critics.

"We have learned that the current budgetary process is not transparent and inclusive enough, making it difficult for citizens to understand how the government goes about the process of taking some of the most critical decisions in the allocation of resources."

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